What is Early Intervention (EI)?
- A federal, state and local collaboration that grew out of federal legislation (Public Law 99-457: Public Law 101-476) servicing the family and their child under age three who has documented or suspected developmental delays, or disabilities.
Local Lead Agency:
- Erie County Department of Public Health
Mandated Services:
- Developmental monitoring for families of children at risk
- Child Find
- Multidisciplinary Evaluation
- Public Awareness
- Monitoring Service Delivery
- Individualized Family Service Plan
- Service Coordination
Target Population:
- All children birth through two who:
- Have a confirmed developmental delay
- Have a medical or physical diagnosis with a high probability of developmental delay
- Have been screened and found to need further evaluation
- Are suspected of or at high risk for developmental delays in one or more of the following domains:
- Cognitive
- Communication
- Gross/fine motor
- Social/emotional
- Adaptive (self help).
Voluntary Entitlement:
- Parents must agree to participate; the service is to assist them with enhancing their child’s development.
Role of Service Coordinator:
- Providing information, advocacy
- Facilitating evaluation, linking with resources
- Coordinating across agency lines
- Helping parent develop an IFSP
- Monitoring delivery of services and due process
Sources of Referrals:
- Primary medical provider
- Community based programs/agencies
- Parent/Relatives
- NICU, Hospital Outpatient Clinics
- Human Services
- Local School Districts
- Other
When to Refer:
- When a child has a definite delay or diagnosed condition with a high probability of delay; referral should be made within two working days
- If delay is questionable or other circumstances are present, the referral may involve judgement as to the best time to refer. Feel free to contact EI to discuss (716) 858-6374.).
- When primary medical provider feels that parent will benefit from further information, support, and guidance in seeking evaluation/services for a child
How to Refer:
- Contact the Early Intervention Program at (716) 858-6374.
Process after referral:
- Service Coordinator makes initial visit to explain program and get signed consents
- Evaluation or screening takes place to determine eligibility (delay must be 33% in one or 25% in two developmental domains, or if the child’s communication is the only concern, then 2 standard deviations below the mean or other criteria as indicated in the NYS Regulations).
- Service Plan is prepared and services begin for those families of children who are found eligible; developmental monitoring is offered to families of ineligible children or families with children at risk.
- Ongoing Service Coordinator monitors service delivery, plans reviews and assists with transition of the child out of EI into either continued special needs services or community program.